Watch David Letterman take the 'Late Show' stage one last time (and receive a standing ovation)

David Letterman taped his final Late Show tonight in the historic Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City after leading the late-night charge for more than three decades. In anticipation of the historic event, CBS has released the opening moments of Letterman's final Late Show.

"Thank you so much!" Letterman says as he waves to the audience, clearly touched by the outpouring of support.

He attempts to quiet the crowd to begin his final monologue but they continue to show their love for the late-night legend.

Letterman's final episode is sure to be star-studded, with folks such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Chris Rock, Jim Carrey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Barbara Walters and Peyton Manning among the A-list celebrities spotted at the theater. His final show will reportedly feature a taped message from President Barack Obama.

The Late Show With David Letterman airs its final episode Wednesday at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.